Your family holiday needs to be chosen carefully. So, will family Caribbean Holidays be for you and your loved ones?
Thinking about family Caribbean holidays? You might be inclined to take chances with many aspects of your life but your precious annual family break probably isn’t one of them! So, if you've decided on your destination and you’re looking at family Caribbean holidays for the first time, here are some top tips.
The weather
The good thing is that just by virtue of fortunate geographic positioning, this entire region benefits from pretty much all-year-round great weather. Some parts do have a rainy and windy season, although they’re pretty mild by northern European standards. That’s important, because if you have a younger family, the chances are that the beach, pool and open-air activities are going to play a huge part in their entertainment. Constant distractions are not always easy to deliver if you don’t get the weather – as many parents have discovered to their cost in other holiday locations.
The people
There is, of course, no such thing as a typical ‘Caribbean person’. Each island has a very distinctive culture. For example, Guadeloupe is very different to Trinidad and both are entirely different to Cuba. What is common across all of them is a warm, open and, on the whole, fairly extrovert culture that makes visitors welcome.
The cuisine
There are tremendous regional variations once again, but what is common is the emphasis on fresh local produce and, as you might expect, fish.
There is a tradition of using spices across much of this vast area, which has its origins in the Portuguese, Spanish and African cuisines that have made such a contribution to the food here. Nevertheless, in spite of the now global popularity, don’t assume that ‘jerk’ is the predominant flavour here. The islands have some incredibly subtle flavourings - even those dishes that can be very hot can also be prepared mild upon request. In terms of family Caribbean holidays with younger members, there won't be a problem catering to the more delicate stomachs.
History
With the emphasis on sea, sand and nature, it’s sometimes overlooked that this is also an incredibly historic region. Contrary to some myth, it was populated before the Europeans (mainly the Portuguese, Spanish and Dutch initially) discovered it from 1492 onwards.
Vast empires were built here and vicious wars fought over who ruled what parts of it, with Britain and France joining in the mayhem in later centuries. Of course, it was also one of the main target areas for slaves imported from Africa, and their stories are an import part of the history here.
From pirates and buccaneers to imperial dreams and commercial slavery and rebellion, each of these epochs and events has left their mark on the towns and buildings around the islands. Whether you’re a serious student of history or just someone who loves getting lost in mystique of those very real pirate locations, you’ll have plenty to occupy you if you tire of the breath-taking beaches and crystal-clear seas.
So are family Caribbean holidays likely to suit you? Well, you would need to be an unusual family to answer that question negatively!
Ski Touring Valley Style
Go beyond the slopes on a Chamonix ski touring expedition on this winter’s ski holiday.Keep in Shape While You Travel
Believe it or not, it is possible to return from your travels fitter than when you left and avoid the post-holiday diet. Find out how.Cruise Back in Time into the Heart of Dutch History at Zaanse Schans
European river cruises provide a unique insight into a country: nowhere is this more true than a trip by boat through the ‘living museum’ of Zaanse Schans.